I’ve recently had the opportunity to interview Jasmine Stephenson. After college and a job, she switched careers. Her writing career is quite interesting and inspiring.

Maralyn: Please introduce yourself and provide some background and how you started writing and why.

Jasmine: I’m originally from the Tampa, Florida area. While I was working towards a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of South Florida, I also worked at a law firm. In the end, I didn’t end up working in psychology or law. Six months after I graduated, I made a completely radical lifestyle choice and traded my worldly possessions for a backpack and a plane ticket. I’ve been traveling around the world for the past four years.

My writing journey began on my travel blog, Jasmine Wanders. I enjoyed writing about my travel experiences so much, that I started thinking of travel writing as a career path and haven’t looked back since.

Maralyn: Is all your writing about travel?

Jasmine: Most of my writing revolves around travel. I especially like writing narrative essays.

Maralyn: What can you share with others as to important tips or suggestions for other writers on finding outlets for articles?

Jasmine: Blogging has opened a lot of doors for me, and through it, I have gained a lot of valuable exposure to the travel industry. I was already familiar with many of the major and minor outlets in the field, what they publish and don’t publish, and the style of writing they’re looking for before I started pitching. In other words, research is critical.

Maralyn: Have you learned any inside tips along the way you could recommend to writers starting out?

Jasmine: For writers starting out, I would say read the publication you plan to pitch first, and if an editor has established guidelines regarding how to send and pitch articles, follow their directions carefully.

Maralyn: Who are your favorite authors and what is it that draws you to them?

Jasmine: One of my all-time favorite authors is Richard Bach. He writes simply, but his ideas exist on so many levels that every time I re-read one of his books, I’m left with a different, deeper understanding of it.

Maralyn: Are you on Twitter? If so, do you find it effective?

Jasmine: Twitter is the best place to connect with people in my field. Where else can you see what fellow bloggers, writers, editors, and magazines are talking about? It’s also a great way to start a conversation with someone you haven’t met before but you’d like to meet. It’s such a valuable resource.
Maralyn: Where can readers learn more about you?

Jasmine: I’d love for you to join me on my travel blog, Jasmine Wanders, on Facebook, and Twitter.
Thank you Jasmine, I believe you will inspire many younger writers. I strongly believe writers can follow their dream, if they use good business sense.

Our readers have missed the interviews. Writers, if you would like an interview, please contact me at mdhill@noralyn.com.